Description
An exceptional French Louis XV–style secrétaire à abattant, richly hand-painted and decorated, bearing its original Desbordes, Paris maker's label with documented provenance to Louis Louis Antiques.
This elegant secretary features a classic bombe silhouette raised on cabriole legs, with finely modeled rococo scrollwork, carved apron, and original decorative hardware. The fall-front opens to reveal a beautifully organized interior with fitted compartments and drawers, ideal for writing or correspondence. The exterior is adorned with delicate hand-painted pastoral and chinoiserie-inspired scenes framed by sculpted reserves, all executed in a soft, time-worn palette with an authentic aged patina.
The reverse retains the original Desbordes workshop label, handwritten with client and reference details, confirming Parisian origin and bespoke commission. An accompanying archival receipt from Louis Louis Antiques further supports provenance and historical retail placement in Greenwich, Connecticut.
This is a decorator-grade European statement piece"”equally suited for a refined study, living room, or bedroom"”offering both visual impact and practical storage.
Please contact me for a shipping quote prior to purchase, as fees vary based on destination. This item ships from Connecticut.
Details:
Origin: France, Paris
Maker: Desbordes (labeled)
Style: Louis XV / Rococo Revival
Form: Secrétaire à abattant (fall-front secretary desk)
Materials: Painted wood, brass hardware
Interior: Multiple compartments and drawers
Key included (decorative / functional as shown)
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Consistent With Age
Chip to back foot, loss to finish may be intentional - denoted in image provided. Visible surface wear, paint losses, and patina throughout, all commensurate with an authentic European painted finish and contributing to its character. Structurally sound.
Dimensions:
Height: 39.5 in.
Width: 44.5 in.
Depth: 20 in.
Category: Secretary Desks
Origin: France
Materials: Wood
Shipping:Domestic: Flat-rate of $650.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S. International: No International Shipping for this auction. Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding. Location: This item ships from Bridgeport, CT
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
This elegant secretary features a classic bombe silhouette raised on cabriole legs, with finely modeled rococo scrollwork, carved apron, and original decorative hardware. The fall-front opens to reveal a beautifully organized interior with fitted compartments and drawers, ideal for writing or correspondence. The exterior is adorned with delicate hand-painted pastoral and chinoiserie-inspired scenes framed by sculpted reserves, all executed in a soft, time-worn palette with an authentic aged patina.
The reverse retains the original Desbordes workshop label, handwritten with client and reference details, confirming Parisian origin and bespoke commission. An accompanying archival receipt from Louis Louis Antiques further supports provenance and historical retail placement in Greenwich, Connecticut.
This is a decorator-grade European statement piece"”equally suited for a refined study, living room, or bedroom"”offering both visual impact and practical storage.
Please contact me for a shipping quote prior to purchase, as fees vary based on destination. This item ships from Connecticut.
Details:
Origin: France, Paris
Maker: Desbordes (labeled)
Style: Louis XV / Rococo Revival
Form: Secrétaire à abattant (fall-front secretary desk)
Materials: Painted wood, brass hardware
Interior: Multiple compartments and drawers
Key included (decorative / functional as shown)
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Consistent With Age
Chip to back foot, loss to finish may be intentional - denoted in image provided. Visible surface wear, paint losses, and patina throughout, all commensurate with an authentic European painted finish and contributing to its character. Structurally sound.
Dimensions:
Height: 39.5 in.
Width: 44.5 in.
Depth: 20 in.
Category: Secretary Desks
Origin: France
Materials: Wood
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Consistent With Age
Chip to back foot, loss to finish may be intentional - denoted in image provided. Visible surface wear, paint losses, and patina throughout, all commensurate with an authentic European painted finish and contributing to its character. Structurally sound.
Chip to back foot, loss to finish may be intentional - denoted in image provided. Visible surface wear, paint losses, and patina throughout, all commensurate with an authentic European painted finish and contributing to its character. Structurally sound.
Buyer's Premium
20%
1940s French Louis XV–Style Hand-Painted Secretary Desk by Desbordes, Paris "”
Estimate $2,900-$8,700
Starting Price
$1,100
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Well Collected: Vintage, Art & Interiors I
May 22, 2026 6:00 PM EDTNew York, NY, United States
$120
$120
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